Overview
- Pakistan said it launched an intelligence‑led ground operation near the Durand Line followed by airstrikes into Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces after a June attack on a Rangers facility in Karachi.
- The United Nations mission in Afghanistan confirmed at least 28 civilian deaths and 49 injuries from the Pakistani strikes while Afghan officials put the toll higher, reporting dozens killed and many more wounded.
- Afghan authorities then said their forces struck alleged ISIS‑K sites inside Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces and claimed use of drones in those attacks.
- Pakistan’s military reported intercepting four rudimentary drones launched from Afghanistan and warned of a “befitting response,” while both capitals summoned each other’s charge d’affaires to lodge formal protests.
- Regional fallout has included a strong public condemnation from India and international calls for restraint, and analysts warn the pattern of reciprocal strikes risks deeper escalation and further harm to civilians and cross‑border trade.